Why did people support the Proclamation of 1763?

The Proclamation of 1763 prevented the colonists from going to the lands that Great Britain had received from France after France was defeated in the French and Indian War. Most Native Americans in this area were very supportive of the French. They didn’t trust the British because they felt that Great Britain wanted their land. When Pontiac attacked some British settlements, the British feared that if any colonists went to these new lands, the Native Americans might kill them. Thus, the British, acting out of concern for the safety of the colonists, prevented settlement of this region. Some people believed that the British were acting in the best interests of the colonists. They were supportive of this British action because they understood that Britain was concerned about their safety.

However, it should also be noted that many colonists were not happy with this decision. They wanted to go and claim this land. They viewed the Proclamation of 1763 as a way for Great Britain to control them. They didn’t believe that Great Britain was acting in their best interests. Some of these colonists defied the law and went to these new lands. The colonists became more upset when they had to provide housing for the troops that were enforcing this unpopular law.

Thus, while some people were pleased that Britain was trying to keep them safe, other people resented this British interference in their life.